I was given an ARC of The Artist’s Touch by S.H. Pratt in exchange for an honest review. The story of Clarice ‘Rissa’ Daniels and Spencer St. George is absolutely amazing. From start to finish this story had me captivated. From their accidental meeting to the ending of the book, I fell head over heels in love with the Rissa and Saint. S.H. Pratt’s writing style is similar of Sandra Brown’s style. Full of details, depth, and emotions, that will make you feel as though you are right there in the midst of the drama. In this story, you will meet the people who do not want Spencer and Rissa together. Their families refuse to talk about the scandal. Will this ruin Spencer and Rissa’s love before it even begins?I thought the dialogue, action, and continuity of the story was spot on. S.H. Pratt has all of the elements that are needed in a story: love, suspense, drama, and some action. She has the ability to make you want these characters in your life. This was the first book that I have read by her and it will not be the last. I will recommend this book to others. I give The Artist’s Touch 5/5 Platypires

​I have noticed that many readers are aspiring authors. Do you have any tips or advice for them?The best advice that I ever got regarding writing was edit. Make your story as strong as possible by editing. Read the book forward and backward, edit until you’re sick of editing and then edit some more. Have your friends (or betas) read, critique, and give you an honest response, then edit some more until it is no longer the diamond in the rough, but the bright diamond.

When did you start writing?I started writing in high school to alleviate the sheer boredom of it all. My first book was probably pure garbage as I knew nothing of life or research and the harsh reality was that the World Wide Web didn’t exist then. But the world will never see that book because it is lost to the writing gods on three inch floppy discs (at least six of them) that can only be accessed by a Commodore 64.

What made you decide to publish your first book?There are several factors that entered into my publishing. First, my eldest sister was on the verge of being published by Harlequin when she had a massive aneurism burst in her brain causing a stroke that left her right-side paralyzed and incapable of fulfilling that dream. Second, my personal life took a massive nose-dive and I needed an escape that didn’t end with me behind bars in an orange jumper (I look awful in orange….). Third, I was told I couldn’t do it. I tried to get a book accepted by Harlequin and a few other publishing companies and the more they rejected my books, the more determined I became. Once I won several short story contests across three different social media sites, I was more confident that my writing wasn’t crap so I took the mighty plunge and showed them all I could do it, while escaping, and I completed my sister’s dream… I even have the pictorial proof.

What motivates you to write?Well, aside from the fact that I look horrible in prison orange jumpers, the incessant chatter from the characters that reside in my head and get positively, obnoxiously loud if I don’t syphon off some of their chatter by writing is usually a pretty strong motivator. It keeps me from going completely sane, which would be a terrifying state.

Do you ever feel frustrated with your work?Constantly. I have times when the real world intrudes or my personal issues expand to unmanageable proportions or the characters simply shut up and the silence is deafening.

What makes you keep writing when you get frustrated?That’s when my readers motivate me. They love my Green boys or Jeremy and his siblings or whatever and I simply can’t let them down.

How do you get over writer's block?That is entirely dependent on what is causing the writer’s block. For me, there are different sort of block. Sometimes I get stuck and I just need to read through the file because there is something off whack and I need to fix it. Other times, my depression makes it difficult to function on any level, therefore I simply have to step away, return to the basics in that I hang out with my nerdlings, read more, that sort of thing.

How do you handle negative reviews of your books?They’re beautiful. Seriously. I have such a terrible time getting reviews of any kind that I do a complete happy dance over them.

There's a lot of distractions around, especially with social media, how do you block it all out and write?I actually do the majority of my social media hopping, book sales monitoring, and all that jazz during the daytime hours when my time is more limited due to the schedules that my nerdlings have. Once everyone is in bed, the house is quite with the exception of the dog snoring, that’s when I write.

What do you enjoy, outside of writing?I love to hang out and play games or watch movies with my nerdlings. I’m also a quilter… I prefer to hand stitch a wholecloth quilt or design an intricate patchwork quilt but the lack of space inhibits this bit of fun. I’m an avid reader and gamer as well. The nerdlings get their habits honestly.

What's something about you that most people don't know?Well, this is difficult to say. I prefer to not have secrets… I’m funny that way. But if I had to nail one thing down that most people don’t know about me, is that I write fantasy for young readers under the name C. K. Brewer.

Have you ever had to rewrite portions of a book because the characters decided to be someone else than you intended?Nope. I’m a “seat of the pants” type of writer. My characters direct me from start to finish, I am simply the transcriptionist for them.

Where do you come up with the names for your stories?Again, as a “seat of the pants” type writer, I just go with it and they always just seem to present themselves. I’ve never really had to work at finding a title or a character name or anything of the sort. The only drawback is that I’m at their mercy until they present themselves.

Did you ever think you'd be a published author?I never thought I’d be an adult, a mom, a divorcee, or a million other things, author is most definitely on that list.

What are you working on currently? -Title -Date of Release –I am working on:~ DragonStar (as C. K. Brewer) - no set release as yet;~ In Angel’s Arms – no set release yet;~ This Crazy Life (Book 3 of the Crazy Mountain Series & 4th Green Brothers Novels) – release sometime in 2016;~ The Art of Forgiving (Book 2 of the Picture of Love Series & 5th of the Green Brothers Novels) – release sometime in 2016;~ Devil’s Night – no set release as yet;~ Yesterday’s Hope (A Campbell Family Novel) – no set release as yet;~ The Artist’s Love (Second half of The Artist’s Touch Epic Romance) – release day is December 18, 2015.

Where did you get the idea for it?Which one? LOL~ DragonStar was my response to the lack of challenging reading with appropriate content for younger readers. I have three profoundly gifted nerdlings who read three+ levels above their grade. 9 year olds who can comprehend Game of Thrones should not read it anyway.~ The Green Brothers Novels (The Crazy Mountain Series and The Picture of Love Series) began when I requested that my readers “Prompt my Muse” in a Facebook event. My friend Gemma A. in England won the contest by submitting “Depth of Distance” by Ben Howard as a prompt. The song made me think of the mountains in Montana that I love so much and brought about Austin Green and his twin brother, Adam. Austin’s series is the Crazy Mountain one and Adam’s is The Picture of Love one.~ Devil’s Night is the product of my crazy imagination running wild every time I drive past a specific rental duplex. It’s weird and all, but the place has inspired an incredibly intense storyline.~ Yesterday’s Hope is a Campbell Family story. When I finished Shy of Tomorrow about Jeremy Campbell, my readers begged me to write the rest of the Campbell triplet’s stories. This one is Kameron Campbell’s story. When it’s finished, it will be a standalone novel, as Shy of Tomorrow is but will be part of the Family of Books along with Loren’s story that will come along eventually.~ The Artist’s Touch is, again, the result of my imagination running wild, this time to the horror of my eldest nerdling. The inspiration for Spencer St. George is a highly glamourized version of the art teacher of the middle school for gifted students that my eldest attended for three years.~ In Angel’s Arms… I have absolutely no idea where in the deepest, darkest pits of my imagination this came from. When I started writing it, I was genuinely concerned that it was too dark, too heavy, and too disturbing to be completed, much less published. Thankfully, my beta team has convinced me that it’ll be okay.

When is the cover reveal?~ The Artist’s Love cover reveal will be the first week of December and will be a soft reveal as it’s the second half of the epic romance.~ This Crazy Life and The Art of Forgiving will be revealed sometime in 2016.~The others… no bloody clue. LOL I should probably finish them first.

Do you ever write characters you hate?Yes. In every book there is at least one character that I simply cannot stand. Introspectively, I realize that each of these characters have some sort of memory connection to someone in my personal life who I have strong negative feelings toward. Now I’m a little unnerved…

Who is your favorite character that you've written?At this particular instance in time, I have four top characters who sort of tie for position.I love Jeremy Campbell (Shy of Tomorrow) and he’s tied with Spencer St. George (The Artist’s Touch) for first place.Then there is Paul Morgan (The Gentleman’s Lady) and Fiona Harper (The Crazy Mountain Series) who tie for second.

What was your first published book?Always My Love was the first.

How do you feel about it now?I love Always My Love because it was my proof that I could do it and there is a lot of me and my hopes in that book. Also, it clearly illustrates just how far I’ve come in two and a half very short years.

Where did you get the idea for your books?Life. Music, random buildings, random people, random thoughts… most of these things are cultivated in my meditation chamber (AKA the shower). LOL

Were there any scenes in it that were difficult for you to write?All sex scenes are a nightmare. Is it a viable position, is it too much description, not enough detail, am I overusing the same words? All the fun of sex gets lost in the transcribing. LOLDo you have a favorite genre to write?I prefer contemporary romance or fantasy.

Is there a type of genre you refuse to write?Paranormal anything… I tried it once for a contest I was in and I totally hated it and thought every single thing I wrote for the contest sucked.Also anything that is “step-sibling” or “priest” as MC’s… I can’t warp my mind into thinking those are remotely interesting or attractive.

Do you prefer your books in print or e-book format?I prefer to read a paperback for the most part, however, given that I live in the soggy PNW, eBooks are handy since my tablet fits in my purse. When I’m quilting, then I listen to books on CD.

What are you currently reading?I have on my tablet: DragonStar so that I can edit the weak places; Water Weaver by Morgan Sheppard; and Walk in the Woods by M. A. Scott.In print, I’m reading The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan.

What is your favorite book?The answer to this is entirely dependent upon genre.For instance, I love Wallbanger by Alice Clayton; Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling; The Stainless Steel Rat by Harry Harrison… and so it goes. LOL

Who is your favorite author?Again, this is genre specific.I love pretty much anything by Brandon Mull; I love the Gabriel series by Sylvain Reynard and have willingly read his paranormal offshoot in spite of my intense dislike for paranormal in general. I have a bunch of Johanna Lindsey for historical romance… sorry, can’t just like one.

Do you have any excerpts from any of your books (published and WIPs) that you'd like to share with us?Hmmm… are you prepared for that? LOL

Here is a bit from This Crazy Love, the first book of the Crazy Mountain Series and the first Green Brothers Novel. Introducing Austin Green and, Fiona Harper, his unwilling roommate for the summer at a dude ranch in the heart of the Crazy Mountains in Montana…

Humor me, because this is my favorite (mythical) animal: Would you ever consider putting a platypire in one of your books?I absolutely would consider putting a platypire in a fantasy book… however, my hitch would be the “pire” part would indicate “vampire” which then leads into my arch-nemesis, paranormal. LOL

The Reapers (The Hunted: Book 1) by Ali Winters is one of those books that I could not put down once I started reading. I was given a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. The story of reapers has always fascinated me. I have always wondered what they thought of the humans that they see at their absolute dark moments or in some cases final moments before death takes them. This book answers that to some degree and it humanizes the reapers. I really enjoyed the characters especially Nivian and Kain. They have so much chemistry and I just love them. I found myself relating to Nivian more than the others because she seems so strong and badass. She is a complex character that has so many layers. I cannot wait for the next book in the series because I want to see how everything plays out. I will sing the praises of this book and Ali Winters to all of my bookaholics. I give this 5/5 Platypires.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Flirting With Death: The Hunted by Ali Winters is a riveting short novella that people must read. In this story we meet Piper, a nice normal female with horrid tastes in boyfriends. She is out on a date with a jerk when she meets Evander. Evander is a reaper who seems to be tortured about who he is. Ali Winters is the type of author that I love. She really sets the scene where you believe that you are right there with the characters. From start to finish this is an amazing book. I really loved the dynamic and the charisma that exploded between Piper and Evander. I will definitely recommend this book to others especially if they have read The Reapers by Ali Winters. She has amazing talent and a way with words that will leave you wanting more. I strongly give this book 5/5 Platypires.

Time Warper: Fated (A Sage Hannigan Novel Book 1) by Peggy Martinez is a book that comes around once in a lifetime. It is the book that will make you feel everything and then when it is over, you will not know how to cope with life until you find out what happens in the next novel.Mrs. Martinez, you wrecked me. Your words took me on a journey that renewed my passion for reading and writing. You took me on a rollercoaster of emotions along with Sage, my dear Aldwin, Travis, Elaine, and my beloved Soren. I am torn between Aldwin and Soren. This has caused a lack of sleep and me mumbling their names until I got my hands on the next book. Sage Hannigan is seriously one of the bravest, toughest, and yet vulnerable heroines that I have ever read in my short time of book reviewing. Her life changes forever when she realizes that she is a time warper. In the blink of an eye, she is transported back in time to meet the characters mentioned previously. This story has it all: fae, vampires, shifters, and a few other surprise supernatural beings. More importantly this book has lessons that need to be learned throughout all the drama, action, and suspense. In conclusion even though this book caused me to have a massive book hangover. I shed some tears, I cussed, there might have been a slight temper tantrum, this book needs to be read by the people who love paranormal stories. I enthusiastically rate this book 5/5 Platypires.

Time Warper: Undone (A Sage Hannigan Novel Book 2) by Peggy Martinez, is the sequel that you cannot wait to read after you finished the first book in the series. It takes place three months after the first book ended. Trouble seems to have a way of finding my favorite heroine Sage Hannigan. Like the first book, this one took me on another rollercoaster of emotions. I cried, screamed, laughed, and cried some more throughout of this whole book. Please note that was before the ending of the book. Sage really went through the drama in this book. The characters that Peggy Martinez created will resonate with you long after you put down the book or turn off the Kindle. You will run the gauntlet of emotions as I did and you will be better off for it. Trust me on this. You have to read this series. As for being torn between my two loves from the first book, I still cannot choose between my beloved Aldwin and Soren. The sequel gives you more insight on Aldwin and you get glimpses of delicious Soren. This is the type of love triangle that will wreck a friendship and make you question everything in life. I definitely recommend this book to others. Once again I give it 5/5 Platypires.

Time Warper: Unbound ( A Sage Hannigan Novel Book 3) by Peggy Martinez is the latest saga featuring Sage, Aldwin, and Soren. I am not even going to lie, I’m struggling with this review. I don’t know how to write it without giving away spoilers. Something or someone big is coming for a band of warriors and they need to learn how to trust one another so they can fight together. Once again Mrs. Martinez took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. There were times that I had to put down the book and walk away but seconds later I was drawn back in to the fantastic story. Everything in the story was perfect. My two book boyfriends that I love dearly, Sage, and the introduction a couple of new characters. Peggy Martinez made me cry, ugly cry, and wallow throughout this entire story. This makes me dread and look forward to the next book all at the same time. This series is absolutely amazing and I will recommend it to everyone that loves to read. Mrs. Martinez, if you read this review please know that you have gained a fan for life in me. After much contemplation and many jars of marshmallow fluff later, I have to give this book 5/5 Platypires.

180 Days by T.E. Ridener is honestly one of the best books of 2015. This story is about Lydia, a transgender female who has to move back home for six months. Lydia McIntosh is adjusting to life in her hometown and dealing with the rejection of loved ones and running into the ones who tormented her growing up. This story is beautifully written and should be read by everyone because it teaches about tolerance. 180 Days is the type of story that makes you stop and think of what transgendered people go through on a daily basis. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. There is great character growth in the story. I will definitely recommend this story to everyone. I give 180 Days 5/5 Platypires.

#Nerd (Hashtag Series Book 1) by Cambria Hebert is a nice and light read. I was really excited about this story because it’s a nerdy girl romance story. There wasn’t that much character growth from the male character Roman aka Romeo. The one character that surprised me was Rimmel. We learn more about her and why she is the way she is. There was the typical drama of when guy realizes that there is a hot girl lurking under the nerdy exterior. I will recommend this story to others who like stories like this. I give it 3/5 Platypires. ​

The Willing Witness: A Pride Wars Short Story by Shakuita Johnson is an amazing read. Aubrey has plans on becoming the best lawyer ever until she witnesses a murder. She has to go into the Witness Protection program. Nicholas is the U.S. Marshall who has to protect her. I give this story 5/5 Platypires and I will recommend this story to my fellow readers.